At Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, the Philadelphia Eagles will highlight the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, which focuses on cancer awareness and support.
Three Eagles cheerleaders—Chelsea, Jenny, and Makenna—are involved in cancer research off the field. The upcoming game will allow them to combine their professional efforts in cancer science with their roles as performers.
Jenny studied Biomedical Art at Rowan University and spent a year shadowing a breast reconstructive surgeon. She now works as a Medical Illustrator, creating visuals that explain complex medical concepts related to cancer treatments. “These visuals serve as critical tools for patient education and scientific communication,” Jenny said. “Working at the intersection of science and art has been both professionally fulfilling and personally meaningful. I am proud to contribute to a field that is making significant advancements in cancer research and treatment.”
Chelsea has worked in clinical research for five years, focusing on global trials for new cancer medicines and treatment strategies. She ensures data accuracy so that informed decisions can be made by the scientific community. “This work matters deeply to me because it is the bridge between scientific discovery and patient benefit as I help determine whether promising therapies are safe and effective, enabling those therapies to advance toward regulatory approval and clinical use,” Chelsea said. “My commitment to cancer patients drives everything I do.
“Managing trials on a global scale gives me the opportunity to accelerate access and promote equity in cancer care. By coordinating studies across diverse regions, I help enroll varied patient populations and shorten recruitment timelines, which can reduce development time and increase the likelihood that new treatments will be effective for people from different backgrounds.”
Makenna previously worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researching pediatric cancers of the brain and nervous system, leading to published findings. She is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, and Cancer Biology while supporting community outreach through her role with the Eagles cheerleaders.
“It has been a pleasure to balance my passion for cancer research alongside being an Eagles Cheerleader, as we have many opportunities throughout the year to support patients undergoing oncology treatment and raise awareness for causes that are close to our hearts,” Makenna said. “My mom is a colon cancer survivor, and my creative performance during auditions is always dedicated to her.”
